Abstract
The aim of this study is to evaluate objective and perceived campus walkability as an environmental support for physical activity within a large Southeastern university. Ten university routes were evaluated twice for 24 key walkability characteristics. Eighty-three campus member surveys (62 students, 21 faculty/staff) were administered and assessed campus members’ familiarity with walkability, attitudes about walking as a form of physical activity, and perceptions of whether specific elements of the campus layout encouraged physical activity. At least 90% of routes had sidewalks, curb cuts, and crosswalks. Likewise, over 85% of participants perceived the campus layout to encourage physical activity. Faculty/staff members were more familiar with the term walkability and considered walking as a form of physical activity than students ( p < .05). Both campus members’ perceptions and environmental audits identified strengths and weaknesses for diverse walkability attributes. Results will be used to improve campus infrastructure and promote increased walking and physical activity at the university.
Highlights
University campuses serve as more than just centers of academic excellence
A similar trend was shown among faculty and staff members at the same universities as only 36.2% engaged in no leisure-time physical activity within their workday, which may increase the prevalence of diseases such as obesity and diabetes (Healthy Campus 2020, 2015a; Roemmich et al, 2010)
Results from the Campus Member Walkability Survey indicated that participants identify the campus built environment as one that naturally encourages physical activity with respect to walking, biking, jogging, and taking stairs
Summary
University campuses serve as more than just centers of academic excellence. They are settings of personal growth and exploration for many young adults and help facilitate the development of lifelong health behaviors such as engagement in physical activity (Asadi-Shekari et al, 2014; Dinzeo et al, 2014; Leslie et al, 2011). Recent findings have shown an overall decrease in the amount of physical activity reported by both students and faculty throughout most college campuses in the United States (Bopp et al, 2014, 2016; Downes, 2015; Healthy Campus 2020, 2015; National College Health Assessment [NCHA], 2016). A similar trend was shown among faculty and staff members at the same universities as only 36.2% engaged in no leisure-time physical activity within their workday, which may increase the prevalence of diseases such as obesity and diabetes (Healthy Campus 2020, 2015a; Roemmich et al, 2010). Seeking other means to increase the prevalence of physical activity among students, faculty, and staff members, the university focused its efforts away from physical activity programming and campaigning to the environment, in particular the walkability of the campus
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